What is our task: Reflecting the Image of God’s Love and Justice

Johanna French, MCC staff and former SALT participant
August 17, 2006

Sometimes I feel like there is nothing HIV/AIDS does not touch or address in some way. What other topic can bring about discussions on the science of disease, micro-organisms, T-cells, the immune system? The intimacies of sex, behavior and relationships? Issues of malnutrition and food security, gender inequality, racism, education, violence? International drug patents and macro-economic policies? And these are only some of the issues! It’s kind of bizarre and mind-boggling. There are many times I am astounded at the range of issues that have been brought to the forefront because they have some relevance to HIV/AIDS (either as a driver of the pandemic or a result of it). There are so many individual and structural forces at work that are all important factors. It’s overwhelming to think of how many things need to be done to bring an end to AIDS or to help people who are infected or affected by the disease to cope—and to prevent new infections.

Quite honestly, the end is not in sight. Unless the world turns around and truly seeks to bring about universal access to medication, social and health services, and changes in economic and political attitudes, millions more will continue to become infected and die. And millions of more children will lose their parents. The spiral of poverty, stigma and gender imbalances will continue to forfeit all long-range and sustainable efforts unless these issues are addressed in creative and empowering ways. HIV/AIDS is a disaster, the biggest crisis on our planet. We see how easily it can infiltrate so many areas, preying on social systems—the most poor and vulnerable—as much as weak bodies. Demolishing infrastructures, human lives and human hopes; revealing human hatred, ignorance and indifference, and the incomprehensible de-prioritization in funds compared to global military endeavors. People who are starting ARVs should not die because of hunger because they are too poor and can’t get nutritious food! People who are poor should not get HIV because they are hungry and engaged in risky sex! So much of this makes me want to scream! And yet I think I also truly believe that if there is a real opportunity to “deliver,” perhaps if everyone was serious and compassionate in playing a role in combating this disease on multiple fronts, then maybe its redemption could be near. And not just the end of HIV/AIDS, but real, tangible and just progress on all the issues related to HIV/AIDS.

There is an opportunity to love and participate in the redemption of this planet and end the scourge of AIDS, malaria, TB, poverty, racism, stigmatization, and gender inequality. I believe this is part of the mission of God, the “healing of the international village.” We are already seeing the face of our Redeemer at work. And we need to see a world which sees more love in action. We need to see a world where people won’t be stigmatized for living with HIV – but instead a world where they would shout it from the hills and be accepted, respected and counted as heroes for being so free and unashamed. They would spur and support others to check their status. Vulnerable children and orphans would flourish under the care of supportive families and communities, and you would hear their laughter and joy once again. People would get access to life-saving drugs—especially children who are living with the virus. Families would have healthy relationships and marriages. Women would have greater opportunities to generate businesses and own land. They would have enough food because they would be able to produce what they needed for themselves. Their children would go to school and make it all the way to secondary school (and beyond) because their governments would make it possible. Debt would be relieved. And trade agreements would be much more just and empower countries to increase their investment and economic productivity and job creation capacity!

The Spirit of Christ resides within us and in the world: embracing, healing, and empowering individuals and communities toward love and action. The world needs more people involved in all these areas! It needs you and your friends and community now! The world needs the church to participate in the fight against HIV/AIDS like never before. The fight against HIV/AIDS is uniting people together from all over the world, every country and from every age – but it needs more people who are willing to care, to advocate, to love, to demonstrate, to act justly, and when true, equitable results are achieved---the possibility to jubilate! Put the Gospel into action. AIDS. Care now. Spread the word.

Solidarity. Faith. Hope. Action. Care.

It’s time for people to pro-actively get things done! And get more involved!